Category Archives: “Remarkable Riderless Runaway Tricycle”

A battle has suddenly erupted between two formidable foes who share a common sound — the analog synthesizer. Not just any analog synthesizer sound, mind you, but a deep burbling one: pulsating and insistent.

In this corner, wearing a strangely intricate electronic eyepiece, we have Ronnie Montrose with “Mandolina” from 1978’s Open Fire album:

“Mandolina” Ronnie Montrose 1978

In the opposite corner, wearing an ill-advised sleeveless t-shirt, we have the menacing and flatulent opening theme of Scholastic Video’s interpretation of Bruce McMillan’s classic children’s story, “The Remarkable, Riderless Runaway Tricycle” – also from 1978 (and in the key of D):

“The Remarkable, Riderless Runaway Tricycle” 1978

Note: after the first 15 seconds of the video, you can move the cursor down to the 8:00 mark for a longer disco version of the synthesizer theme from this opening sequence.

Important to note that the aforementioned Moog bass synthesizer part for “Mandolina” was played by none other than Edgar Winter.